by MOA

WHEN THE LOBSTER FISHERY IS OPEN, LOBSTERS MAY BE OBTAINED, FISHED FOR, SOLD AND PURCHASED

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security informs the general public that the 2026/2027 Lobster Fishery is open from Sunday, August 2, 2026, to Sunday, February 28, 2027, both days inclusive.

When the lobster fishery is open, lobsters may be obtained, fished for, sold and purchased; however, the following regulations are in effect in accordance with the Fisheries Regulations, Chapter 7.15 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia:

No person shall harm, give, receive from anyone, or at any time have in his possession, expose for sale, sell or purchase:

· Any lobster that is undersized;

· Any lobster carrying eggs; and

· Any lobster which is moulting.

No person shall:

· Remove the eggs from a lobster, or have in his possession, sell, or purchase a lobster from which the eggs have been removed;

· Spear, hook or attempt to spear a lobster; or

· Sell any lobster that has been speared, hooked, or otherwise impaled.

“Undersized” means a lobster:

· Less than 9.5 centimetres (3.75 inches) in carapace length measured from the ridge at the base of the horns to the end of the carapace (back shell); or if the tail has been removed, a tail weighing less than 340 grams (12 ounces).

Contravention of these regulations is subject to a maximum fine of EC$5,000.00.

The Department seeks the cooperation of everyone and encourages members of the public to report any person or establishment found contravening the Lobster Fishery regulations to the Police Marine Unit, District Police Stations, or the Department of Fisheries.

For further information, contact the Department of Fisheries at 468-4143 / 468-4135.